There’s plenty of fried goodness on Michael Harr’s menu, but
the standout is a plate of buttermilk-enriched hushpuppies to be dunked in
honey-dill butter. Harr tried to take them off the menu, but too many
diners complained. 7272 Wisconsin Ave., Bethesda;
301-652-8008.

Cedric Maupillier, who learned to fuse French and American
sensibilities under Michel Richard at Citronelle and Central, pumps up his
hushpuppies with a classic Gallic combination: escargots with plenty of
garlic. 1813 Columbia Rd., NW; 202-234-6732.

The hidden gem at this upscale Southern dining room is its
affordable, recently expanded bar menu, which offers terrific snacks such
as these darkly fried drops of cornbread flecked with crawfish and served
with smoked honey butter. 1990 M St., NW; 202-659-1990.